Tiger Turf Talk

Tiger Turf Talk welcomes Aaron Fink, Director of Grounds for Louisville FC, for an engaging conversation about leadership, culture, and the passion it takes to create an elite playing environment. Aaron shares what makes Louisville FC such a special place, from the relationships built within the organization to the pride that comes with providing a world-class work environment.Throughout the episode, Aaron discusses his approach to team building and the importance of creating a culture where every crew member feels valued, respected, and connected to a larger purpose. By fostering trust, encouraging ownership, and investing in the growth of his staff, he has cultivated an environment where people feel they truly belong and are motivated to reach their full potential. Aaron’s passion for his work extends beyond the field itself, focusing on developing people and inspiring his team to pursue excellence every day.Tune in to hear Aaron’s insights on leadership, mentorship, and what it takes to build both championship-caliber playing surfaces and a thriving team culture.

Tiger Turf Talk welcomes Eric Harshman of Pioneer Athletics for an inspiring conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of the turfgrass industry. Eric shares his passion for advancing the profession and creating opportunities for the next generation of turf managers. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, he discusses how the lessons, challenges, and successes throughout his career have become the foundation for his leadership philosophy and decision-making.Throughout the episode, Eric reflects on the importance of mentorship, innovation, and continuous learning in an ever-evolving industry. His enthusiasm for furthering the turfgrass profession is evident as he explains how he has used his experiences as a guide to help shape not only his own career, but also the future of those entering the field.

From clay management to championship expectations, this episode of Tiger Turf Talk features Matt Goode, Sports Field Manager for the University of Kentucky Baseball and Softball facilities. Matt takes us behind the scenes of maintaining premier athletic fields in one of the most competitive conferences in college athletics, sharing the dedication, precision, and attention to detail required to deliver elite playing surfaces day after day.Throughout the conversation, Matt discusses his career journey, the science and art of sports field management, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives his work. His passion for perfecting his craft is evident in every aspect of field preparation, from managing infield clay and turf health to creating the safest and most consistent environment possible for student-athletes. Matt shares how continuous learning, innovation, and a commitment to improvement have shaped his approach to grounds management and helped elevate the performance of Kentucky's baseball and softball facilities.Whether you're a turf professional, agriculture educator, student, or simply a fan of the game, this episode offers valuable insights into the people, processes, and passion behind championship-caliber athletic fields. Tune in to hear how Matt Goode combines experience, dedication, and a relentless drive for perfection to keep the Wildcats competing on some of the finest playing surfaces in collegiate athletics.

In this episode of Tiger Turf Talk, we welcome Deanna Trusty, President of the Kentucky Sports Field Management Association, accomplished sports turf professional, and successful business owner. Deanna shares her inspiring journey in the sports field management industry, from building and operating her own business to becoming a respected leader and advocate for turf professionals across Kentucky.We discuss the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in the turfgrass industry, the importance of maintaining safe and high-quality athletic fields, and how her experiences as a business owner have shaped her leadership style. Deanna also highlights her work with KYSFMA, where she is dedicated to advancing education, professional development, and networking opportunities for sports field managers throughout the state.Tune in as Deanna talks about the passion, perseverance, and commitment that have driven her career and made her a leader in the industry. Whether you're a turf manager, student, educator, coach, or simply interested in leadership and entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from one of the industry's standout professionals.

Tiger Turf Talk is back! In this exciting relaunch episode, we sit down with Marcus Elswick, Director of Field Operations, for an engaging and insightful conversation about the work that goes into maintaining top-quality athletic facilities and the importance of leadership, teamwork, and innovation in turf management.Marcus shares his professional journey, discusses the challenges and rewards of managing athletic fields, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create safe and successful playing surfaces. From day-to-day operations to long-term vision, this episode is packed with valuable insights for students, educators, industry professionals, and anyone passionate about sports turf management.Whether you're a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, this relaunch episode sets the stage for great conversations ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leaders and celebrate the return of Tiger Turf Talk!